Building structure



March '24, 1953 E. c. SCHMIDT, JR

BUILDING STRUCTURE 2 SHEETS-SHEET 1 Filed May 19, 1949 x is r /ur/////// /EVVVVVVU 2 7////// I n I u E F.

M B F INVENTOR. EDWARD C. SCHMIDT, JR

March 24, 1953 E. c. SCHMIDT, JR

/ BUILDING STRUCTURE 2 SHEETS-SHEET 2 Filed May 19, 1949 FIG. 7

FlG. 5 FIG. 6

.10 FIG. I

INVENTOR. EDWARD O. SCHMIDT, JR.

FIG. 4

Patented Mar. 24, 1953 BUILDING STRUCTURE Edward C. Schmidt, J r., Cleveland, Ohio, assignor to Edward L. Pucel Application May 19, 1949, Serial No. 94,165

8 Claims.

My invention relates to building structures and to the parts thereof.

My invention is directed to a building construction embodying frame members, such as joists and beams, and structural enclosing ele-' ments adapted for siding, roofing and the like.

An object of my invention is to provide an improved construction of a building having parts formed and arranged to provide a sound, well secured, strong and neat appearing wall and roof element.

Another object is the provision of sheet metal structural elements so formed and arranged as to provide for ready mounting and demounting in the assembly of the building.

Another object is the provision of sheet metal elements so formed as to provide for the ready joining of the elements together to form the exterior siding or the roofing of a building.

Another object is the provision of an improved securing arrangement for fastening sheet metal elements to the framing of a building.

Another object is the provision of an improved form of frame members adapted for use as joists and beams in a building construction.

Another object is the provision of a unique arrangement of sheet metal elements, frame members and securing means for a ready, efii- *cient and economical construction of building walls and roofs. V

Another object is the provision of an improved building construction in which the elements are formed and arranged to give a neat and handsome appearance to the building, to provide strength and service qualities to the building, and to provide. results and furnish advantages not heretofore obtainable in the building art.

Another object is the provision of a joint construction for mounting sheet metal structural elements to, the framing of a building, which permits the mounting of the sheet metal elements in various sequences in relationship to each other.

Another object is the provision of an ingenious arrangement in the construction of a building permittingthe exterior elements, such as siding elements and roofing elements, to be assembled to the building structure in alternative sequences, such as by starting from the top of a wall and working downwardly in the assembly of one element after.another,start from the bottom and work upwardly, or to commence at any intermediate position between the top and bottom, and also permitting ready insertion or removal of any desired exterior element, Such as a s d g or 1100fing, element.

Another object is the provision of frame members embodying a novel and useful structure permitting the structural elements to provide improved means for mounting siding and roofing elements thereon, and also to permit the frame members to act as conduits or guards for wiring, tubing, piping or other circuits usually carried around through the wall partitions of a building. Other objects and a fuller understanding of my invention may be had by referring to the following description and claims, taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, in which: 7

Figure 1 is a vertical, sectional view taken through a wall section of a building embodying my invention, and illustrating the ready assembly and disassembly of sheet metal sectional elements in my building construction;

Figure 2 is an enlarged view showing in vertical section adjoining portions of two of the sheet metal elements illustrated in Figure 1, and shows the disposition of the parts before the tightening of the securing member to firmly join the sheet metal elements together;

Figure 3 is a view similar to that of Figure 2 and shows the same elements but with the securing member tightened to firmly hold the adjoining sheet metal elements in firm and secure connection together and to the frame member;

Figure 4 is another vertical sectional view through a wall of a building embodying my invention and includes a side view of a vertically arranged frame member upon which the sheet metal elements are mounted;

(In Figures 1 and 4, the cross-hatching of the sheet metal siding or roofing elements has been omitted to maintain the clarity of the drawings at the location of the joints.)

Figure 5 is a front view of a portion of one of the sheet metal elements embodying my invention, the longitudinal ends of the sheet metal elements being shown as broken away, the sheet metal element, in fact, being elongated at a much longer length than the width of the sheet metal element, which width is illustrated as extending from top to bottom of the view in Figure 5;

Figure 6 is an end view of one of the sheet metal elements embodying my invention, the arrows 5-5 of Figure 6 indicating the front view of the sheet metal element illustrated in Figure 5;

Figure 7 is a front view of a frame member, used as a joist or beam, and illustrating the front face of a flange of the frame member;

Figure 8 is a cross-sectional view'of the frame member shown in Figure 7 through the line 8-8.

The frame members shown in Figures 4, 7 and 8 represent the preferred form of the frame member incorporating a round tubular central portion;

Figure 9 is a cross-sectional view of a frame member embodying my invention and being modified from the preferred form in that the central tubular portion is somewhat flattened;

Figure 10 is a side view of one of the clamping members used for securing the sheet metal elements to the frame members in my building construction; and

Figure 11 is a front view of the clamping member shown in Figure 10 looking in the direction of the arrows II-I I in Figure 10.

In the several views of the drawings, the reference character II denotes generally the sheet metal structural elements forming a part of my invention and which in themselves also are my invention. These elements II are long, relatively flat sheet metal members which may be formed by rolling or other suitable means. Their length is several times that of their width and as the length thereof is unimportant a complete element II of full length has not been shown. The structural elements II are used for the exterior in most instances of a building and are particularly adapted for forming the exterior siding and the roofing of a building. Because the use and principle is the same, whether incorporated in a vertical wall or in a sloping roof, the present des ription and. drawings will treat the construction as that embodied in a vertical wall, although it is to be understood that the same description and terms apply in the forming of other portions of the building wherein my construction is advantageous.

The several elements II are formed of a suitable metal which extends in a relatively large expanse of area and for that reason is herein generally referred to as sheet metal, although the use of that term is not to be considered as limiting the element I I to any particular range of gauges or other dimension.

Each element II has a substantially fiat body portion, each body portion having a front face I2 and a rear face I3. The front face I2 is positioned exteriorly of the building and the rear face I3 is directed inwardly of the building. Joining portions are formed at the opposite longitudinal edges of each structural element I I by appropriate bending and forming of the metal by a rolling or other suitable process. On the longitudinal edge of structural element II, which is to be placed at the higher elevation on the wall or roof, there is formed an upper hock portion or curved or arcuate channel designated by the reference character I4. This upper hook portion I4 is formed by bending or rolling the metal material forwardly, that is toward the exterior of the building, in a curve forming substantially a half of a circle from where it leaves the plane of the body portion to its outer or free end.

Although I do not intend to be limited to any particular dimensions or values, some preferred dimensions and values are herein given by way of example to better illustrate the preferred relative sizes and arrangements in the embodiment here given by way of example. The preferred size of the curved hook portion I4 is such that the curve is on a one-fourth inch radius. On the lower longitudinal edge of the sheet metal element II, there is provided another joining portion. This lower joining portion includes a lower hook portion or curved or arcuate channel I5. The hook portion I5 is also in the form of 9. C annel having its opening directed downwardly, as shown in the drawings. The relative size of the hook portion I5 is such that preferably the curve is on a three-sixteenths inch radius, as compared with a one-fourth inch radius of upper curved portion I i. To support the lower curved portion I 5, which is an integral part of the sheet metal member II, the lower edge portion of the sheet metal element I I is bent rearwardly at location I! to a rearward location I6, shown in Figures 2 and 3, and then bent upwardly, substantially vertically, and then curved forwardly toward the rear face I3 of the structural element I I, as shown in the drawings. By thus bending the lower edge portion of the sheet metal element rearwardly and upwardly, there is provided a connecting portion I8 which supports the lower hook portion I5 which provides a horizontal closing wall extending lengthwise of the sheet metal element. The angle of the body portion of the sheet metal element to the bottom horizontal portion I3 is such that the relatively large, flat body portion of the sheet metal element is disposed at an incline or slope from the vertical plane or other reference plane coinciding with the series of sheet metal elements. This provides the effect of clapboards or the usual jagged 0r stepped arrangement of sidin members in other building structures. It also provides protection from the weather for the joint between adjoining sheet metal elements, this joint being protected by the overhanging portion of the sheet metal element provided by the incline or slope of its main body portion.

The frame members included as a part of my invention and which are in themselves my invention are denoted generally by the reference character I9. The frame members are adapted to be used as joists, beams or any other framing members in my building construction. Each frame member I9 is formed of metallic elements of similar form and placed back to back as best shown in Figure 8. These two duplicate parts are welded together, such as at locations 2d, indicated in Figure 8. By this construction, each frame member I9 is provided with a front flange 20, extending longitudinally of the frame member, and a rear flange 2 I, likewise extending longitudinally of the frame member. The front flange 2c is adapted to be positioned closest to the exterior of the building and the inner flange 2I is to be positioned closest to the interior of the building. As illustrated in the drawings, the frame member I9 is generally in the form of an I-beam having a web portion 22 connecting the front flange 28 and the rear flange 2|. Although originally separated, the two parts of the web portion 22 are joined together by the welds 25 to form the substantially integral web portion 22.

Formed in the web 22 intermediate 0f the flanges 2E and 2|, there is formed the tubular central portion 25 of circular cross-section and hollow interior. This is formed by the arcuate form of each part of the joined web 22 and upon the welding together of the two parts of the frame member, there is provided the hollow tubular portion 25 extending longitudinally of the frame member. This tubular central portion 25 provides additional strength and rigidity to the frame member and adds to an angular structure the inherent strength and rigidity of a tubular structure. The central tubular portion 25 also provides in itself a convenient conduit or guard through which may be carried and mounted wiring, tubing and piping that may be incorporated inthe building. Such wiring, tubing and piping is usually located within the building walls and in this case a safe and convenient conduit for the same is provided within the frame members themselves. To provide access to the interior of the tubular central portion 25, holes 28 are positioned at convenient intervals along the length of the frame member, such as is shown in Figure 4. These holes permit the wiring, tubing or piping to enter into and to leave from the tubular portion By reason of the manner of forming the frame members in assembling and welding the two similar parts together there is provided a longitudinal joint or crack 23 extending longitudinally of the frame members on both front and rear faces and intermediate the longitudinal edges of flanges 28 and 2 I. This small crack having inwardly sloping walls provides a means for driving nails or other similar elements directly into the frame member. This feature is useful in mounting wooden parts or other material to the frame members, and particularly on the inner or rearward side thereof as against the inner or rearward flange 2 I. Such nails enter the crack and they slightly spread the parts of the web 22 apart at a point immediately adjacent the entering nail. The structure thus affords an additional feature in readily permitting the nailing of wood or other material directly to the frame members and particularly against the rearward flange 2! on the interior of the building.

At spaced intervals along the length of the front or outer flange 20, there are positioned slots or open spaces 21. These slots 21 extend inwardly from the edges of the flange and they are disposed in opposite pairs, each pair of slots 21 in front flange 20 being spaced apart by the width of a sheet metal element H. These slots 21 are adapted to receive threaded bolts 28 therein. These slots 21 are arranged in pairs so that, as desired and most convenient, either slot of a pair of slots may be utilized. It is to be understood that in the final construction of the building, only one slot 21 of each pair of slots is utilized, that is, on either the right-hand or left-hand side of the frame member.

Again to give preferred relative sizes by way of example, the Width of the slots 21 is approximately five-sixteenths of an inch, and the diameter of the shank or threaded portion of the bolt 28 is one-fourth inch. Therefore, the width of the slot 21, that is, the vertical space between the upper and the lower edge thereof, is greater than the diameter of the bolt 28, so that there is a one-sixteenth inch space for play of the bolt between the upper and lower edges of the slot 21. With the bolt 28 positioned equidistantly between the upper and lower edges of the slot 21, there is a space of a one thirty-secondth of an inch between the bolt and the adjacent edge of slot 2'! above and below the bolt 28. Each bolt 28 has a head, such as a hex head, 29, which. is, of course, larger than the slots 21 to prevent the head 29 from going through the slots 21. As the slots 21 have an open side, the bolt 28 may be readily inserted in the slots by a sideward movement toward the center of the frame member and without having to bother with a direct axial movement of the bolt 28 through the slot 21.

A metallic clamping member 30 having a threaded opening 33 therein is threadably engaged to the threaded bolt 28, the clamping member being positioned rearwardly of the sheet metal element Ill and forwardly of the flange 20 of the frame member. a lower arcuately formed engaging portion 3| and at its upper end has an abutting portion 32 curved toward the front flange 20. A side view of a clamping member 3|] is shown in Figure 10 and a front view of the clamping member 30 is shown in Figure 11. The forward and lower end of arcuate engaging portion 3| extends downwardly to a line approximately 20 degrees from a horizontal line passing through the center upon which the arcuate curve of portion 3| is generated, as more fully shown in Figures 2 and 3.

Figure 2 illustrates the arrangement of the parts at the juncture between two adjoining sheet metal elements I I prior to the tightening of bolt 28 to cause the clamping member 30 to be moved rearwardly toward the flange 20. metal element H in the several portions thereof are somewhat resilient, and particularly the,

curved portions 14 and IS, the clamping member 3|] may be readily moved downwardly into the position shown in Figure 2 past the forward free end of curved portion I 4. The clamping member 30 and bolt 28 are readily inserted into the position shown in Figure 2 by sliding the bolt 28 with the clamping member threaded'to its forward end'sidewardsthrough a slot 21 to where the head 29 of the bolt 28 may abut against the flange 20. The lower curved portion I5 is nested within the upper curved portion l4 of the sheet metal element immediately below it as shown in the drawings. Since the upper curved portion M is larger and is on a greater radius, the free end of upper curved portion [4 is spaced away from the forward free end of lower curved portion 15, as shown particularly in Figure 2. In this posi tion, there is some play between the several parts and the lower sheet metal element Il may be swung on a pivot and hooked into or out of position, as desired. The way one sheet metal element may be swung in and out of position is shown by the sheet metal elements in dotted lines in Figure 1.

After the several elements and parts are in the position shown in Figure 2 with the upper and lower sheet metal elements in their desired locations, the bolt 28 is turned by revolving head 29 so as to draw or move the clamping member '30 inwardly toward the flange 20 and to the position shown in Figure 3. Upon the turning of bolt 28 to the point where the abutting portion 32 of clamping member 38 meets and abuts against the flange 20, the arcuate engaging portion 3| is moved rearwardly to compress the upper'curved portion l4 downwardly and rear wardly to the position shown in Figure 3, and thus snugly wrapping or curving the larger curved portion 14 down around the smaller curved portion 15. By this movement and compression, a firm tight seal is provided between the upper curved portion IA of the lower sheet metal member and the lower curved portion [5 of the upper sheet metal member. The engagement between them is so firm and the frictional bond between them is solsecure that one sheet metal element may not move relative'to the other sheet metal member. Also, both sheet metal members at the location of the complementary curved portion are pressed firmly and tightly against the flange 28 so that both sheet metal members are firmly anchored to the frame member at the same time that they are anchored together. The compressed curved portions in the position shown in Figure 3 extend downwardly at their free ends to a line disposed'about 15 degrees to a horizontal" Each clamping member 30 has.

As the sheet I line passing through the center upon which the curves of portions I4 and [5 are generated an as disposed in Figure 3. The interengaged hook portions or curved channels l4 and I5 are so clamped by the arcuate clamping portion 3! of the clamping member that they may not slip relative to each other and they are firmly pressed in tight engagement to each other and to the frame member.

Upon loosening of the bolt 28 to move the clamping member 30 back to the position shown in Figure 2, then one sheet metal element may be shifted relative to the other heet metal member. The lower sheet metal member, if its lower end is freed, may freely swing upwardly on the pivot provided by the lower curved portion [5 of the sheet metal element above it and may swing outwardly and be unhooked or disengaged from the upper sheet metal element. In the assembled position shown in Figure 3, there is a space of about g s of an inch between the lower tip or bottom edge of the clamping member 36 and the connecting portion l8. This spacing permits a limited amount of play or movement between the upper sheet metal member and the lower end of the clamping member when the clamping member has been moved to a loose or free position. Likewise, as previously indicated, there is a play between the bolt 28 and the upper and lower edges of the slots 2?. These provisions for play vor movement between the several parts when the bolts and clamping member are in the loose position of Figure 2 provide for a suit able amount of flexibility in the assembly and disassembly of the sheet, metal elements to the frame member. These provisions also provide for some shifting of the respective sheet metal members or elements up and down to get them in desired alignment. The arrangement permits several sheet metal elements in a series to be so shifted up and down a sufficient distance to permit an intermediate sheet metal element, that is, a sheet metal element between the top and the bottom, to be removed and replaced without having to remove other sheet metal elements in the series constituting the wall or roof structure.

An example of how one sheet metal element may be removed from the wall and replaced by another sheet metal element, without having to tear down and remove all other sheet metal elements, may be given by reference to Figure 1. Assuming that it is desired to remove the intermediate sheet metal element I i (that is, the third sheet metal element from the top), the uppermost clamp and bolt assembly is loosened to permit freedom at the joint between the first and second sheet metal element. The second and third clamp and bolt assemblies (counting from the top of the structure in Figure 1) are then loosened and removed. The fourth clamp and bolt assembly from the top is also loosened but need not be removed. The third and fourth sheet metal elements (counting from the top) are then moved upwardly while in loosely joined arrangement, to the extent permitted by the play heretofore described. Sufficient shifting is thus provided to permit the second sheet metal element to be slightly pulled downwardly and thus swing outwardly on the pivot provided by the joint with the first sheet metal element. Upon swinging outwardly of the second sheet metal element, the third sheet metal element which it is desired to replace, having its upper end free, may be readily moved down to disengage its lower end and totally removed from the wall structure. Another sheet metal element to replace it may be inserted in place, the second sheet metal element swung downwardly to engage in the upper curved portion of the replaced third sheet metal element and all sheet metal elements are then properly aligned. The loose sheet metal elements are shifted up and down as desired to properly align them relative to each other and so that the bolts 28 are centrally located in the slots 21. Removed clamping member and bolt assemblies are reinserted and all of the bolts 28 are again tightened up to again clamp all of the sheet metal elements together and to the frame member.

By the flexible arrangement and the relationship between the several parts, it is possible to assemble a wall or roof by starting from the bottom and working upwardly sequentially add sheet metal elements and secure them in place. It is also possible to start from the top and working downwardly sequentially mount the sheet metal elements in position. It is also possible to start at an intermediate position and work upwardly or downwardly by adding and mounting sheet metal elements and thus to complete the wall or roof. It is generally desirable to position all of the sheet metal elements in proper relative position by first having the clamping members 30 in a loose position to engage the nested curved portions of the sheet metal element but without tightly pressing them together and to the frame member. Then after all of the sheet metal ele ments are mounted in position but loosely joined, they may be shifted up and down to get them in proper alignment and in proper relationship to each other and at that time the bolts 28 are readily tightened to secure the adjoining sheet inetal elements together and to the frame mem- It is apparent that the unique arrangement of the joint provided in my construction gives a pivot or swivel action between the sheet metal elements when the clamping member is off or in loosened position and at the same time a firm and secure anchoring is provided by the tightening of the clamping member to its home position shown in Figure 3. The abutting portion 32 holds the clamping member 36 in proper position and provides for a firm and secure clamping of the interengaged complementary curved portions without unduly crushing or bending the inter-engaged curved portion beyond the desired limit.

A modified form of the frame member is illustrated in Figure 9 wherein the central tubular portion is somewhat flattened on each side to provide the intermediate portion 3 3, as illustrated. The frame member shown in Figure 9 is otherwise similar to that illustrated in Figures 4, 7 and 8.

Thepresent disclosure includes not only the foregolng description of the preferred embodiment of my invention but also the disclosure contained in the appended claims, which are therein incorporated by reference in this descripion. Although my invention has been described in its preferred form with a certain degree of par ticularity, it is understood that the present dieclosure of the preferred form has been made only by Way of example and that numerous changes in the details of construction and the combination and arrangement of parts may be resorted to without departing from the spirit and the scope of the invention as hereinafter claimed.

What is claimed is:

1. A sheet metal element for siding, roofing 9 and the like, said element being adapted to be joined to adjacent similar elements, comprising a metal sheet having parallel and opposite edge portions, a first of said edge portions being bent in one direction from the plane of said sheet and formed in a first curved portion, the opposite of said edge portions being bent in an opposite direction from the plane of said sheet and then bent toward said first edge portion and thence formed in a second curved portion extended in said one direction toward said plane, the radius of said second curved portion being less than the radius of said first curved portion, the said second curved portion being positionable in a first curved portion of and adjacent similar element and adapted to concentrically nest therein upon compression of said first curved portion to a position next adjacent, and generated about the axis of, the second curved portion of said adjacent similar element to provide for interengagement and binding together of adjacent elements at the location of the arcuate areas of the nested curved portions.

2. A sheet metal structural element comprised of an elongated sheet of metal having formed along its opposite longitudinal edges elongated curved channels, both said channels being disposed to open toward one direction, a first of said curved channels being positioned on one side of said sheet and the second of said curved channels being positioned on the opposite side of said sheet, the free ends of both said channels being directed in the same direction, the first of said curved channels being of greater radial dimension than the second of said curved channels and being resiliently compressible to dispose its inner arcuate surface on the same radius as the outer arcuate surface of a corresponding second of said curved channels disposed on an adjacent similar structural element, said sheet having a connecting portion disposed at an angle to the plane of said sheet for supporting in offset position the second of said curved channels.

3. A plurality of sheet metal elements arranged in sequence with their adjacent edge portions interengaged to provide a series of said elements in continuity, each said element having a body portion and opposite edge portions, a first of said edge portions being formed into'a first curved portion extended in one direction away from the said body portion, the second of said edge portions being extended in an opposite direction away from said body portion and thence extended toward said first edge portion and thence formed into a second curved portion extended toward said body portion, the radius of said first curved portion being substantially greater in uncompressed condition than the radius of said second curved portion, the first edge portion of one of said elements being positioned relative to the second edge portion of an adjacent element and the first curved portion of said one element being compressed to be disposed next adjacent, and generated on the axis of, the second curved portion of said adjacent element to dispose the respective curved portions of said edge portions substantially concentric and in nested engagement with each other.

4. A sheet metal element for siding, roofing and the like, said element being adapted to be joined to an adjacent similar element, comprising an elongated metal sheet having a front face, a rear face and two longitudinal parallel edge portions, a first of said edge portions being curved forwardly from said front face to form a first longitudinally disposed arcuate channel, a sec-'- ond of said edge portions being offset rearwardly to a location rearward of said rear face and thence toward said first edge portion and thence curved forwardly to form a second longitudinally disposed arcuate channel substantially complementary to, and smaller in radial dimension than, said first arcuate channel, said first arcuate channel being compressible, said second arcuate channel being adapted to be positioned in the first arcuate channel of an adjacent similar element and said first arcuate channel being adapted to receive the second arcuate channel of another adjacent similar element for the nested interengagement of the adjacent arcuate channels upon compression of the first arcuate channel to dispose the inner surface of the first arcuate channel adjacent, and generated on the same axis as, the outer surface of the second arcuate channel.

5. A structural element for siding, roofing and the like, said element having a body portion, said body portion having a front and back, and having a first joining portion disposed adjacent one edge of the body portion and a second joining portion disposed adjacent an opposite edge of the body portion, said first joining portion comprising a channel of arcuate cross-section having its opening directed in one direction and being disposed on the front of said body portion, said second joining portion comprising a channel of arcuate cross-section having its opening directed in said one direction and being disposed on the rear of said body portion, the radius of said first joining portion in uncompressed condition being greater than the radius of said second joining portion and said first joining portion being compressible about the said second joining portion of an adjacent element to cause their mating surfaces to be disposed on the same radius and on a common axis, said element also having a connecting portion extending rearwardly of said body portion and connected to said second joining portion to support the same, the arrangement of said joining portions being such that the first joining portion may complementarily interfit with the second joining portion of a second similar element and the second joining portion may complementarily interfit with the first joinin portion of a third similar element upon interengagement of the joining portions of adjacent elements and the compression of the first joining portion about the second joining portion.

6. In a building structure, the combination of a frame member having a flanged portion, said flanged portion having spaced open spaces respectively accommodating bolts positioned therein, a plurality of elongated metal sheets having front and rear faces, each metal sheet along a first edge portion thereof having a forwardly extending, first curved portion and along a second edge portion thereof having a forwardly extending second curved portion, the radius of said first curved portion being greater than the radius of said second curved portion, the metal sheet adjacent said second curved portion being bent rearwardly and thence toward said first edge portion to position said second curved portion rearwardly of said rear face, said curved portions being substantially complementary to each other upon compression of the first curved portion and being directed in substantially the same direction, the second curved portion of each sheet being positioned within the first curved portion of an adjacent sheet of said plurality of sheets, a clip 'member positioned rearwardly of the rear faces of said sheets, said clip member having a clamping portion engaging said first curved portion and having a threaded opening, and a threaded bolt having a head abutted against said flanged portion of said frame member and a threaded shank inserted through said open space of said flanged portion and threadably engaged with said clip member, movement of said clip member toward said frame member by said bolt causing said clamping portion to compress said first curved portion to a form complementing the second curved portion and to clamp said first curved portion to the said second curved portion positioned therein.

7. In a building structure, the combination of a frame member having a plurality of spaced open spaces accommodating a draw bolt in each open space, a plurality of elongated sheet metal elements for siding, roofing and the like and each having a front face and a rear face, the upper longitudinal edge of each element having a forwardly extended first curved portion and the lower longitudinal edge of each element having a forwardly extended second curved portion, said first curved portion being disposed on the front face of said each element and said second curved portion being disposed on the rear face of said each element, the radius of said first curved portion being greater than the radius of said second curved portion, the curved portions of adjacent elements being interengaged by the nesting of a second curved portion of one element in the first curved portion of the other element and the compression of said first curved portion about the second curved portion, a plurality of clamping members, each clamping member having an arouate portion complementarily fitting and engaging the free end portion of a said first curved por tion, each said clamping member being moved by a said draw bolt toward said frame member and thereby compressing the said free end of the first curved portion and firmly holding said interengaged curved portions concentrically and tightly together.

8. In a building structure, the combination of a longitudinal frame member, said frame member having a laterally disposed portion, two sheet metal members disposed laterally of, and on one side of said frame member, one of said sheet 1-2 metal members being positioned at a higher elevation than the other of said sheet metal members and being arranged one adjacent the other, said other sheet metal member having an upper edge portion formed to extend forwardly away from said frame member and around in a first curved channel disposed forwardly of said other sheet metal member and opening downwardly, the said one sheet metal member having a lower edge portion formed to extend backwardly toward said frame member and upwardly and around in a second curved channel disposedrearwardly of said one sheet metal member and opening downwardly, the first curved channel in uncompressed condition being on a substantially greater radius than the radius of the second curved channel and being compressible to be disposed neift adjacent thereto, the said first curved channel accommodating and under compression embracing said second curved channel in substantially concentric relationship, a clamping member engagin the said first curved channel, compressing said first curved channel against said second curved channel and drawing said first and second curved channels toward said frame member, and a bolt engaging said laterally disposed portion of said frame member and threadably engaging said EDWARD c. SCHMIDT, JR. REFERENCES ci'rED The following references are of record in the file of this patent:

UNITED STATES PATEN'rs Number Name Date 945,682 Berg a; Jan. 4, 1910 1,797,214 Mayer et al. Mar. 17, 1931 1,959,880 Sims May 22, 1934 2,160,345 1 1939 2,258,247 Hull Oct. 7, 1941 

